Martha Riedel, 20, passed away on the morning of April 15, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at their home in Boulder, Colorado.
She is survived by her parents, Margaret (Badar) and Ned Riedel, her older brothers, Ian and Sean, her twin sister, Annie, and her two beloved dogs, Scruffy and Bean. Born in Boulder on January 10, 2002, Martha lived for her family and cherished the close and sacred bonds they shared. She will forever be remembered and admired for her compassionate soul, courageous spirit, and creative talent, and for her inquisitive mind and irreverent sense of humor. Martha had a unique and authentic way of bringing joy to everyone who knew her, and her many relatives, friends, neighbors, classmates, educators, healthcare providers, and coaches are left profoundly impacted by her life and legacy.
Martha held strong convictions about what it means to be a good person. She believed in equity for all, regardless of one’s gender identity, sexual orientation, or race. Martha was also passionate about learning and education. She honored the sciences and believed in the power of data and the scientific method to discover and verify information about our world. From a very early age, Martha demonstrated incredible creative abilities and remained a lifelong artist and maker. She was an award-winning potter and leader in the arts community at Boulder High School and beyond.
Martha loved delicious food and physical activity. Whether it was snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, yoga, or standup paddleboarding, she lived for fun and adventure. Martha also had a passion for traveling to both new and familiar destinations. One of her favorite places to visit was a spot on the shores of Lake Michigan where she enjoyed paddling out into the calm water to take in the beauty of the natural world.
In 2020, Martha received the Casey Award, the highest honor given to a Boulder High School student. She was a four-year member and captain of the Boulder High School Mountain Bike Team, and her coaches, teammates, and the entire local mountain bike community occupied a special place in Martha’s life journey. She was well-known for her dedication to training, riding, and finishing every race despite her health challenges.
Diagnosed with metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma when she was 13, Martha faced her cancer diagnosis and the next seven years of treatment with remarkable courage and her trademark sense of humor. She dedicated much of her time and energy during those years to the effort to find better treatment options and a cure for other young people like herself. Martha’s legacy is one of strength, courage, and love. ForeverMarthaStrong.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a leader in childhood cancer research and Martha’s charity of choice. If you choose to donate, please do so through the direct link provided or state that your donation is “in memory of Martha Riedel.”
Visit CaringBridge to read more about Martha. Site Name: teammartha13
What a beautiful tribute. Martha will always be my model of strength, grace and tenacity. Our love goes out to your rock solid family. And I cherish the memories of those Monday night dinners long ago!
Martha forever changed our lives. Thank you for giving us strength and inspiring us to live and love boldly. Martha, until we meet again.
What an amazing young woman. We miss her.
So sorry Margaret for your loss, I’ve followed her journey and she was amazing. Some gifts are like flowers although we remember the color and smell, it is the the purpose in which they were given that lasts forever. She will always be with you and a part of all of you.
Beautifully written, Marell..
I cannot imagine the hole Martha’s death has left in your hearts. I have no words to ease your pain but please know I am thinking of you and my heart is with you.
Love you
Beautiful. Such a bright light 🙂
A beautiful story about the life of a young woman who was beautiful inside and out. The world has lost a wonderful human being.
Martha was such a fighter and so extraordinary – I feel so lucky to have known her! Sending so much love to all who knew and adored her.
Martha’s spirit is powerful, inspiring and never-ending. Her life here with us brought out so much good and great in the world. It was an honor for me to know that young lady for a brief time and to watch her journey of the last seven years from afar.
Here’s to life and love and to embracing this time here in ways that honor our own spirits. Martha embodied this, and I can’t think of a better tribute to who she is than to choose to live life ForeverMarthaStrong.
I am holding all who grieve in love and light. Martha’s physical body is complete but her spirit is infinite.
An inspiration to us all who made an incredible impact on her community. Thank you for being you, Martha <3
Martha truly is her own “galaxy” (someone stated this at her Memorial or here). She is glowing above us, tickling us with little antics, and ensuring that we relish the precious moments with gusto. #MarthaStrong
Martha thank you for teaching me what strength really looks like. I promise to live every day “Martha Strong”. You will be missed more than you will ever know, but we promise to carry your light and look after your family. Shine on….
I keep rereading this and feel such gratitude for the beautiful words Marell. I miss Martha everyday and my heart aches for her family who I cannot imagine the depths of profound loss they are feeling. My love stays strong for the Riedels, my friends.